Polygraphic study of the effects of sodium 4-hydroxybutyrate and 4-butyrolactone in man

Abstract

Abstract Polygraphic observations were made after intravenous or intracarotid administration of sodium 4-hydroxy utyrate and 4-butyrolactone in man. At first theta bursts, then large continuous delta waves appeared in the EEG with increased EMG, accelerated respiration and heart rate. Consciousness was maintained. This was followed by irregular slow waves with reduced EMG, slow and stable respiration and heart rate, and a loss in consciousness. In 7 cases among 19, changes resembling paradoxical sleep were observed during this phase. The whole course of events was changed suddenly at two or three hr after the onset of injection. No disorientation or noticeable side effects were observed. When blood concentration of butyrate was measured and correlated with the polygraphic recordings, the continuous large slow wave stage corresponded to the peak of the blood concentration level while the irregular slow wave stage corresponded to the declining phase of the blood level curve. The effects of these compounds in producing continuous large slow waves without a disturbance of consciousness was emphasized.